Arnott returns to Nashville

Blues forward and former Predator Jason Arnott (44) is congratulated after scoring a goal in January. (AP Photo)

The first two times St. Louis came to Nashville, Jason Arnott was bit by the so-called hockey gods. First game he had the flu. Second game Arnott didn’t play with a shoulder issue.

Arnott, a former Predators captain, should be in the lineup tonight against Nashville. It will be the first time Arnott will play at Bridgestone Arena since he was traded away in the summer of 2010.

“I’m sure there will be a few emotions here and there, but once you get going it will be like any other game,” Arnott said.

Arnott captained Nashville during a turbulent time. The Predators needed a veteran voice to lead their locker room during their ownership issues following the 2006-07 season. Nashville chose Arnott to be that guy. He had 229 points during four seasons with the Predators.

Last season, Arnott played with the New Jersey Devils and Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference, and never ventured to Nashville. Arnott has 26 points in 53 games this season with the Blues.

“It’s amazing how the team changes in less than a year,” Arnott said. “I don’t know half the guys on their team. That’s the way hockey’s going now. I made a lot of good friends over there and keep in touch with most of them. It was a great time in my career, I had a lot of fun with them and learned a lot.”

The Ellis situation: Ryan Ellis was one of the last defensemen off the ice this morning, indicating a potential healthy scratch. If he is scratched, it would be his second straight. With Nashville having eight defensemen on its roster following its trade for Hal Gill last Friday, the Predators could send Ellis back to Milwaukee to get some playing time. Ellis, a 2009 first-round pick, is one of Nashville’s top prospects, and the Predators would rather him continue to develop on the ice rather than sit in the press box.

“We may have him go to Milwaukee for a couple of games just to keep him playing,” Coach Barry Trotz said. “It’s not based on play, it’s just to keep him playing.”

Hornqvist and McGrattan out: Trotz said forwards Patric Hornqvist and Brian McGrattan wouldn’t play tonight. Trotz was hopeful both would be available for Saturday’s game against San Jose. Both players skated Thursday morning.